Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) don storm the Abuja residence of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, for Tuesday. Dem block access to the property wey dey for Maitama area, and dem seal am as part of investigation into alleged financial misconduct. The anti-graft agency say dem dey act based on court order wey dem get, but Malami dey insist say the action no follow due process.
According to reports, EFCC officials arrive Malami house early Tuesday morning with heavy security presence. Dem barricade the street and prevent residents and visitors from entering the area. The agency confirm say dem dey carry out lawful court order wey dem get since January 6, 2026. This order na for interim forfeiture of Malami properties, but the former minister don challenge am for court.
Malami talk say the EFCC action no correct because matter still dey before court. Him explain say after dem get the interim order for January, him file application to set am aside. The court don fix April 20, 2026, for hearing of the application. Malami argue say since matter dey pending, both parties suppose maintain status quo until court decide. But EFCC don go ahead to take over the property without waiting for court final decision.
The former AGF describe the eviction as “extrajudicial” and “unlawful.” Him talk say even if court order exist, EFCC no get power to execute am. According to Malami, execution of court orders na work for court bailiffs and sheriffs, not for party wey dey fight for court. Him accuse EFCC of trying to overreach the judicial process by taking unilateral action while matter still dey before judge.
Malami also talk say the EFCC first try to take over the property for Monday, but dem no finish. Dem return for Tuesday with more armed personnel to complete the operation. The former minister say dem forcefully evict him family members from the residence without proper court order for eviction. Him describe the action as unprecedented for Nigerian legal system.
EFCC for their side maintain say dem dey follow due process. The agency cite Section 5 of EFCC Act wey give dem power to investigate economic crimes and recover assets wey dem suspect na proceeds of unlawful activity. Dem insist say the operation dey in compliance with valid court order wey dem get.
This development come after similar operations for other properties wey link to Malami for Federal Capital Territory. For Monday, EFCC officials don mark several properties for forfeiture, including business premises. The former minister talk say dem serve him letters of invitation during those operations.
Malami suggest say the timing of EFCC action fit dey politically motivated. Him talk say the fact say former Vice President Atiku Abubakar visit him house for Monday, and EFCC come invade the property shortly after, fit point to political calculation. The former AGF dey currently standing trial on two separate criminal charges wey EFCC and Department of State Services file against am.
Legal experts wey our reporter talk to say the case go test the boundaries of asset recovery procedures for Nigeria. Some lawyers talk say while EFCC get power to investigate and recover stolen assets, dem must follow due process and respect court proceedings. Others talk say if court don grant interim forfeiture order, EFCC fit take steps to secure the property pending final determination.
The public reaction to this matter dey mixed. Some Nigerians dey support EFCC action, say dem must recover stolen funds no matter who involve. Others dey worry about potential abuse of power and political targeting. Human rights organizations don call for thorough investigation and respect for rule of law.
As at the time of this report, Malami family members don vacate the Abuja residence. EFCC officials still dey maintain presence for the property. The court hearing for April 20 go determine whether the interim forfeiture order go stand or dem go set am aside. Both parties dey prepare their legal arguments for the upcoming court session.
This case don become major talking point for Nigerian political and legal circles. E touch on issues of anti-corruption fight, due process, separation of powers, and political accountability. Many dey watch to see how the court go handle the matter and wetin implications e go have for future asset recovery cases.
The Nigerian Bar Association don call for calm and respect for judicial process. Dem urge both EFCC and Malami to allow the court decide the matter without interference. The association emphasize the importance of following due process even for fight against corruption.
For now, the Abuja residence of former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami remain under EFCC control. The legal battle continue, and Nigerians dey wait for court decision wey go come for April. This case go likely set important precedent for how anti-graft agencies handle asset recovery for future.
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